Monday, November 8

Winter storm lingo

St. Cloud (Minn.) Times

The difference between a winter storm watch, a winter storm warning and a blizzard warning:

Watch: A warning likely will be issued. Stay tuned to the radio or television to see what develops.

Warning: Heavy snow - six inches or more within 12 hours or eight inches or more within 24 hours. Warnings may be issued for smaller amounts if forecasters expect significant blowing snow, low wind chills, sleet and freezing rain.

Blizzard warning: Large amounts of blinding, wind-driven snow; sustained winds of at least 35 miles an hour; and dangerous wind chill are expected for at least three hours.

Source: National Weather Service